Kristen and Kris were married in a traditional church ceremony at St. William of York Catholic followed by a reception at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Md. on June 8. “They planned one of the most unique and fun wedding days I have ever been a part of,” Brittani Croft of Britt Croft Photography said. “They did a great job prioritizing their faith and choosing a sacred ceremony space, while also showing their guests a true glimpse into their colorful personalities.” The bride wore a v-neck tea-length wedding gown with short sleeves, accessorized with her hair in an updo, finger-tip length veil, and a pair of peep-toe slingbacks, while the groom wore a three-piece gray suit, accessorized with a tie. Bridesmaids wore short yellow chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of roses, gerber daisies, berries, and dusty millers. Guests were greeted with a kraft paper bag filled with local trivia and treats. Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official! They exited out as everyone waved ribbons wands in the air. “The American Visionary Art Museum was one of the coolest venues I have ever shot in,” she said. “From the prime location, being just across from Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor, to the sculptures, gardens, exposed brick, and art displayed throughout, there was already so many great things for the eye to explore.” Tables were decorated with gray linens, white napkins, mason jar centerpieces, and votive candles, surrounded by folding padded chairs. Notice the paper pom poms hanging from the ceiling too? “My favorite element was their beautiful cake and the fabric backdrop behind it,” Croft said. “Their sweet bunting topper turly was the icing on it. . . the day really came together just as Kristen and Kris hoped.”

Sarah and Matt were married at Canlis in Seattle, Wash. on August 16. “We both are foodies, and when we found out one of the nicest restaurants in the city did weddings, we jumped at the chance to have our wedding there,” Sarah said. “We also knew that their service is impeccable, and our guests would be well taken care of.” The bride wore a sweetheart a-line wedding gown with an illusion lace bodice and tulle skirt, accessorized with her hair in an updo, jeweled sash, and a pair of peep-toe high heels, while the groom wore a light gray suit, accessorized with a striped tie. “Our main colors were blue and yellow,” she said. “We wanted a lot of bright colors for the rest of the flowers.” Bridesmaids wore short long-sleeved lace blue dresses and carried bouquets of roses, dahlias, hydrangeas, daisies, and greenery. Before the ceremony, the couple opted for a first look on the staircase. It took place in one of the three dining rooms, which features 180 degree views of the Seattle city skyline, and officiated by her uncle/godfather. Once the vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official! Fun fact: the marriage license was signed in the wine cellar! “As a thank you to my parents for contributing to the wedding, we got them each a special present,” Sarah said. “For my dad, we arranged for one of the owners of the restaurant to put together a whiskey tasting for him and his two brothers during cocktail hour. All three of them absolutely loved it are still talking about it!” The reception followed shortly thereafter. Guests were encouraged to sit wherever they liked. Tables were decorated with white linens, blue napkins, vintage vase and vessel and wine bottle centerpieces atop wooden tree slices, and votive candles, surrounded by upholstered chairs. In lieu of a traditional guest book, “we put out little note cards where people could write down their funny or serious advice for us,” she said. The favors were even homemade. “I loved making our herb salt favors,” Sarah said. “We have gotten so many compliments on how practical, tasty, and how very ‘us’ they were/are.” A two-tiered buttercream-frosted cake was cut and served concluding dinner. The newlyweds’ best advice? “For the day-of, build some buffer time into your timeline because things will take longer than you think,” Sarah said. “Don’t sweat it if you have to cut out a picture location. In the end, it’s all about celebrating you and your husband. Also, both of you should take a moment during your reception to soak it all in and enjoy it.” At the end of the night, they jetted off to their honeymoon in Napa.

Martha and Dane were married at Costanoa Lodge and Resort in Pescadero, Calif. on May 31. The bride wore a sweetheart a-line wedding gown with an art deco-inspired jeweled neckline and illusion capped sleeves, accessorized with her hair down in loose curls, baby’s breath wreath, and a pair of peep-toe flats, while the groom wore a three-piece navy blue suit, accessorized with a tie. Bridesmaids wore long chiffon brown dresses in various necklines and carried bouquets of garden roses, peonies, stock, and dusty millers wrapped in satin ribbon. Groomsmen wore button-up shirts, pants, and caps, accessorized with bow ties and suspenders. Before the ceremony, the couple opted for a first look in one of the hiking trails. Guests were greeted at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains with scenic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean bluffs. “Our parents built the chuppah we stood under at the ceremony,” Martha said. The reception took place on the terrace. Thankfully, it was heated! Wooden tables were decorated with white linens, netural napkins, vintage plates and tea cups, pedestal terrarium centerpieces, and scrabble letter sayings such as “love by the moon,” and “live by the sun” surrouned by folding chairs. Dinner was served from locally-grown meat, produce, and seafood as well as sustainable wines too. But it was the mini cake that was kept between the newlyweds only after the first dance, father-daugher dance, and mother-son dance underneath string lights. Dane was certainly not shy when it came time to cut and smash a slice into Martha’s face! Other assorted desserts were up for grabs instead like cookies and lemon bars. “We even had a bonfire every night that our friend’s played jam sessions at,” she said. Fun fact: Out-of-towners had the option of staying the night in resort rooms or even better — Douglas Fir cabins and tent bungalows.

Autumn and Andrew tied the knot at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, Calif. on June 28. The bride opted for a short a-line wedding dress and wore her hair in a curly ‘do while her groom donned dark gray pants, with a matching vest, bow tie, and top hat. Autumn and Andrew didn’t have a typical wedding, but it was chock full of games, delicious foods, and performances to keep their guests completely entertained all night. “We were looking for an outdoor space where we could set up a carnival/circus feel,” Autumn said. “We also were looking for a venue that would let us stay outside until late that evening. When we saw the space at Saddlerock Ranch, we knew it would be perfect for us, and the vineyards and animals on the property were a big bonus!” After exchanging vows in front of 150 friends and family, the carnival began. The reception had a carousel, a variety of carnival games, and a juggler. Guests indulged in festive treats like cotton candy, funnel cake, and popcorn. Family and friends were seated at banquet tables covered with a patterned table cloth and red rose centerpieces. Twinkling lights hung overhead and a stage with a red backdrop was set up for live entertainment such as a contortionist and ribbon twirler. Since the wedding took place at a ranch there were also a variety of animals around, such as horses and sheep. For dessert, guests enjoyed an ice cream sundae bar and a chocolate cake adorned with strawberries. Autumn advises that couples try to stay calm and enjoy their wedding day. “Try to relax on your big day! A few things are bound to go not according to plan, but don’t let that stop you from having a perfect, incredible, memorable day!”

Nicole and Dan were married at Pearl S. Buck Estate in Perkasie, Penn. on May 31. “It has beautiful gardens set around a gorgeous stone home that belongs to the estate of really awesome famous author,” Nicole. “We went for a turquoise, sea foam, light blue, and lime green color scheme.” The bride wore a spaghetti strap a-line wedding gown with fluttery, chiffon petals, accessorized with her hair half-up/half-down in loose curls and bold red lips, while the groom wore a light gray suit, accessorized with a solid tie. Bridesmaids wore mix ‘n’ matched short dresses and carried bouquets of garden roses, peonies, and dusty millers. “We wrote the whole thing (the ceremony) from start to finish with our officiant,” she said. “And our dog, Reggae, was there too! It was one of the reasons why we chose our venue. He had a blast and even took a lick of our cake when he thought no one was watching.” The reception was held underneath a tent draped with fabric and paper lanterns. Farm tables were decorated with burlap runners, wine bottle and mason jar centerpieces, and menu cards at each place setting. “I really loved our first dance – ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros,” Nicole said. “It was an upbeat choice to go with, but our band played in wonderfully, and everyone joined in at the end.” In addition to the ombre buttercream-frosted cake, there was also a candy buffet, which served double-duty as favors. The newlyweds’ best advice? “Pick a few things that are really important to you for your wedding,” she said. “If you love a certain venue or band, prioritize them and see where you can cut back on things you don’t care as much about.”